First case of bird flu in mammal confirmed in South Australia

Australia has recorded its first case of bird flu in a mammal after a fur seal tested positive for the disease in South Australia.

Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, made the announcement on Sunday, admitting the development was “concerning”.

“Testing by CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has confirmed H5 bird flu in samples taken from a long-nosed fur seal in South Australia,” Collins said.

The fur seal was found dead with no signs of injury on Wednesday at Beachport, about 311 kilometres south-east of Adelaide.

“This is Australia’s first confirmed case of H5 bird flu in a mammal,” Collins added.

She said it was not unexpected to have such cases like this in areas where there was a high infection rate among bird populations.

The virus was first detected in mainland Australian in Western Australia in June, and has since spread to South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.

It has also impacted penguins of Phillip Island in Victoria, with the first penguin death confirmed last week.

The government has begun vaccination programs for penguins and other birds as it attempts to stop the spread of the deadly disease. There has been no transmission to humans and the risk of such an incident are low.

According to the most recent government data, there are 297 cases of bird flu in Australia as of 4pm on Friday.

Of these, 182 are in South Australia, and 86 have been confirmed in Victoria.

Collins confirmed the government was closely monitoring the situation and taking action where required.

She said National Cabinet would discuss the latest developments and Australia’s ongoing response later this week.

“Importantly, there is currently no evidence of infection in Australia’s poultry or agricultural systems, and the risk to human health remains low.”

Australians should avoid touching sick or dead wildlife, and keep pets away from animals and carcasses.